Dylan Harper, the second total choose of the 2025 draft, made his preseason debut in opposition to the Jazz on Friday, and he didn’t disappoint. The 20-year-old level guard completed with 9 factors on six pictures to go together with three assists in simply 18 minutes off the bench in his first time carrying Silver and Black and dealing with an NBA staff.
The numbers are spectacular, however fail to characterize simply how encouraging Harper’s debut really was. The rookie, who has struggled with accidents since leaving faculty, regarded like a composed veteran who was comfy and in rhythm.
His first bucket got here on a lower after he completely bought that he was going to set a display on the nook, solely to dart to the rim a second later. His second make got here on the ball, utilizing a double display from Luke Kornet and Victor Wembanyama that made the protection hesitate for a second, giving Harper the chance he wanted to activate the jets and get a layup. Then he hit a tricky baseline midrange jumper. After that, he canned a 3, exhibiting how well-rounded he’s as a scorer already.
As a set-up man, he was equally thrilling to observe. A easy Kornet display was sufficient for Harper to show the nook and assault and he discovered the rolling large man with a fast move for a straightforward bucket. Then he acquired the ball close to midcourt because the Spurs pushed the tempo following a miss and he discovered Victor Wembanyma beating his man down the court docket for an alley-oop, a play many playmakers didn’t execute in recent times. His remaining dime got here on a drive to the rim through which he stored his dribble alive, and as an alternative of forcing a shot, he fired a move throughout the baseline for a Julian Champagnie nook three.
As with the scoring, his full array of expertise was on show, as he demonstrated the flexibility to orchestrate performs within the half-court whereas using his velocity to create alternatives for others, in addition to fast decision-making and imaginative and prescient on the break.
Now, a single preseason sport doesn’t imply a lot within the grand scheme of issues. It’s potential and even probably that he’ll battle within the remaining two matches and early within the 12 months, particularly in opposition to higher opponents. But watching Harper exhibit the precise expertise that made him such a coveted prospect was large, contemplating the context of his rookie season. As talked about, he struggled with well being points that restricted his means to work on his sport.
Furthermore, there’s been quite a lot of speak about his slot in a crowded backcourt. It will have been comprehensible for a younger participant to answer adversity and scrutiny with nerves. As a substitute, Harper appeared comfy on the market and positive of who he’s and what he can do. His maturity and poise had been as spectacular because the performs he made.
It’s not stunning for a participant of Harper’s degree to do nicely in a preseason sport, at the same time as a rookie. Anybody who watched him in faculty and even his brief stint in summer time league can inform that he’s a particular expertise. He additionally appears to have precisely the kind of confidence and composure that ought to assist him navigate a probably difficult rookie 12 months through which his function and his minutes may change usually.
Dylan Harper performed like Dylan Harper in his debut. So long as he continues doing that, there might be loads of causes for optimism each within the brief and long run.
